Step into the enigmatic world of Matthew S. Horner, the mastermind behind the immersive album "The Dark Room." In this interview, he shares the inspirations, creative process, and the emotional journey that defines his unique musical odyssey.
1. Your latest album, "The Dark Room," has been
described as a journey into the darkest recesses of the human soul. What
inspired you to delve into such a profound and intense musical exploration?
I always have really. Besides my family music has been the one thing in life I
could always depend on being there. I had an intense childhood so music was my
escape by listening to it. It still is now but magnified by writing as well. It
is my passion in life and my therapy.
2. Can you tell us more about the title of the album, "The Dark
Room," and how your personal studio played a role in shaping the album's
atmosphere and sound?
My studio is a corner of our basement that I built into my studio. It is
small, but it is 100% me inside. I have a smart light that I change the color
of depending on moods, neon signs.. one reads “let’s get weird” in pink neon.
And it’s filled with all of my gear. 3 guitars, 2 bass guitars, my drums and my
desk with my mic, dual monitors and my laptop. It also has all my merch from
shows I’ve seen and played.
3. "Figure It Out" is the opening track of the album and sets the
tone for the entire journey. What made you decide to start with this particular
song, and how does it represent the overall theme of the album?
it’s the first song I wrote with the heavy and darker sounds. I always wrote
more traditional pop punk sounds or acoustic rock. I have always loved playing
hard rock I grew up with Metallica and learning to play by ear. This was
something I have had in me and was somewhat scared to let out. Turns out I
absolutely love it. Figure it out is exactly that. I will figure this out on my
own. Keep moving forward.
4. You mentioned that you tapped into all you know about music while
creating this album. Could you share some insights into your musical influences
and how they influenced the sound of "The Dark Room"?
Metallica, blink182, rancid, Ramones, van Halen, pink floyd, …. The list goes
on and on haha. I do NOT play or write in a conventional manner. I love to take
things that aren’t typical or typically Used and use them where I like them.
This was all about making something I wrote and not writing what I thought
everyone wants to hear.
5. The album seamlessly blends '80s influences with a modern edge. How did
you approach this delicate balance, and what do you hope listeners will take
away from this fusion of eras?
THE 80”s have some of the best music that’s ever been released, especially when
it comes to instrumentals. I love synth sounds. I usually have those with drums
first, then add all guitars and bass. Then write lyrics and melodies. I want
people to be able to interpret my music anyway they want. I want them to feel
what I feel.
6. "The Dark Room" is a solo project where you play all the
instruments yourself, except for the producer role. What's the creative process
like when you're working on your music solo?
I never have an idea of what I’m going to write beforehand. I always start with
a blank slate. I let my soul direct and go with what I feel. I get really
excited when I find sounds I like. I will lock myself in my studio until I have
all music recorded. Then I will listen in my work truck writing lyrics in my
head for days.. then I’ll go back in and record all vocals.
7. Can you describe the collaboration with your producer, Adam Buckley, and
what makes your partnership work so well?
he has the best ear first of all that I know of. I found him online and sent a
song from my 1st album. He produced it and sent it back and I loved it. He has
done every song I’ve released! He is honest and I give him 100% creative
ability to produce. He has also added drums and some synth as well. He just makes
everything sound amazing to me. He understands where I’m going with a song
without me telling him. I am in the USA and he is in the UK. I have never
actually met him in person, but I consider him a brother!
8. Your music has been described as a blend of synth, rock, punk, and pop.
How do these different genres come together in your music, and what draws you
to this eclectic mix?
I listen to so much music. To be honest, I learned to write and play from the
pop punk scene. Blink182, Greenday, jimmy eat world… they all have the sane
elements. I just took it down a different path. This time darker. My last album
“Outta time” is much more pop punk and lighter. This is just a different side
of me expressing myself.
9. The album is noted for its attention to detail. Can you share some
examples of the subtle elements in your music that you believe add depth and
nuance to the listening experience?
All they keyboards, I like to find sounds that add depth to the song. I also
really like layered guitars and the driving bass . One guitar and bass are
always right there with eachother while the drums may hit different elements.
Some say it may not fit well or its out of place. I say you just have to hear
it as a whole.
10. The passion in your voice is a standout feature of your music. What
emotions and experiences drive your lyrical and vocal performances on "The
Dark Room"?
like I said I had a unconventional childhood and was on my own at 16. I learned
most things the hard way. It wasn’t until now in my mid 30s where I am
happy/successful in life i.e. going back to school/college later, finding my
career, getting married and divorced, adopting my daughters having my son, and
finding my current wife who is just amazing and beautiful inside and out that I
am able to reflect on all those harder times and see where ive come from. It
drives my music.
11. In a world where music often plays it safe, you are praised for your
audacity and creativity. Could you elaborate on the risks you took while
creating this album and how they contributed to its uniqueness?
I do not like to play it safe. I like to take risks and go outside the box in
every aspect of my life. I write what I feel and if I don’t feel its genuine
them I’m not using it. Every note I play is a risk. I don’t read music and only
recently began diving into music theory. So every guitar solo is very
unconventional. Much of the structure of my songs is different and my voice is
not like most. I have to learn to sign (if you call it that) in ways I feel
comfortable with. Many do not like my voice style.
12. As a small-town guy and a pop-punk dad, how do your personal experiences
and identity influence your songwriting and musical choices?
everything has to be an example because I have kids. They listen to all of my
music. I don’t like foul language in my songs. I want everyone of all ages to
be able to listen to it. I want punk parents to be able to listen to it with
their kids or around them.
13. "The Dark Room" is described as a labyrinthine journey through
the psyche. Can you share some insights into the themes and stories explored
within the album's tracks?
My divorces… growing up poor… a lot of this Dark side comes from my father
taking his own life when I was 11. He had a lot of issues and was not a good
roll model at all. I learned what not to do from what he did. I’ve seen Dark
things and extremely happy things. This is just my journey really. Like a dark
sitcom. Or an abandoned amusement park.
14. Are there any specific tracks on the album that hold special
significance to you or have particularly memorable stories behind them?
they all have a story, but like I said ibwant people to interpret them how they
want. If it makes sense to them to perceive it in their way I want it to work
for them. I don’t get too descriptive in my songs. I like some mysterious ideas
left open. However, “Dark Heart” is very personal to myself. Its more of my
insecurities and how I have healed. Being able to ask for help. A lot of damage
was done by my ex and me learning how to accept and even ask for help healing
those wounds. My wife is so supportive that this is what I feel when I am with
her.
15. What do you hope listeners will take away from "The Dark Room"
after experiencing this intense musical journey?
A: my dream is to write music for a living. With the current industry, it
doesn’t seem likely. But Don’t give up ever on your dreams. Its also a pledge
in support for mental health. I will always want to support advancements there.
Music is therapy.
16. Lastly, can you give us a glimpse into your future musical endeavors and
what fans can expect from you in the coming months or years
I am 3 songs into my next album already! It is gritty and dark as well. It may
not be as heavy as the dark room, but so far I have the title of “Blackbird”
for the album as in ravens… it is already a much faster paced album with a lot
of classic punk sounds.
https://www.instagram.com/matthew_horner22/
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